Multilayer PCB Via Structure for Deep Blind-Hole Electroplating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming blind holes in printed circuit boards are limited by insufficient depth and aspect ratio, particularly in thick multilayer boards, leading to ineffective electroplating and hindered high-speed signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mechanical drilling and laser processing to form through and blind holes, with a connection groove, allowing electrolyte solution flow to create a conductive layer for electrical connection between layers, and filling the groove with a medium to enhance electroplating and signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing methods are used to form blind holes in printed circuit boards, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the hole depth and aspect ratio are insufficient, leading to ineffective electroplating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole depth and aspect ratioVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical drilling and laser processing into a hybrid manufacturing system. The mechanical drill creates the initial hole structure, and the laser subsequently deepens and refines the hole to achieve the required depth and aspect ratio for effective electroplating in thick multilayer boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection groove acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates electrolyte solution flow between the through hole and blind hole. This groove enables the electroplating process to effectively reach deep blind holes by providing a dedicated fluid passage, thereby resolving the issue of insufficient electroplating in deep holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If through holes and blind holes are formed to enable high-speed signal transmission, then signal transmission performance improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple drilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal transmission path into through holes for power/ground connections and blind holes for signal connections. This segmentation allows optimization of each hole type for its specific function, with through holes providing robust electrical connection and blind holes enabling high-speed signal transmission by avoiding via stubs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection groove serves as an intermediary that connects the through hole and blind hole systems, allowing the electrolyte solution to flow between them during electroplating. This enables simultaneous or sequential plating of both hole types using a unified process approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the multilayer printed circuit board thickness increases, then more wiring layers can be accommodated, but existing blind hole formation methods become ineffective due to insufficient depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultilayer board compatibilityVSAvoidblind hole depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of hole depth by combining mechanical drilling (for initial structure) with laser processing (for deepening). This parameter change enables the formation of sufficiently deep blind holes in thick multilayer boards, achieving aspect ratios adequate for effective electroplating regardless of board thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables effective electroplating and high-speed signal transmission in multilayer printed circuit boards of varying thicknesses by ensuring adequate hole depth and aspect ratio, improving practicality and connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

drilling a reflow hole in the multilayer printed circuit board using a mechanical drill

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical drilling: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

drilling from the bottom surface of the first hole position to the upper surface of the wiring layer using laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

allowing an electrolyte solution to flow through the through hole, the connection groove, and the blind hole to form a conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentEP4672875A1Printed circuit board manufacturing method and printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 RUIJIE NETWORKS CO LTD
  • EP4672875A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672875A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672875A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a printed circuit board manufacturing method and a printed circuit board. The method includes: forming a through hole in a multilayer printed circuit board that runs through the multilayer circuit board, where the multilayer printed circuit board is provided with an upper printed circuit board, a wiring layer, and a lower printed circuit board that are stacked; forming a blind hole from the upper printed circuit board to the wiring layer in the multilayer circuit board; drilling between the through hole and the blind hole to form a connection groove, where the through hole is in communication with the blind hole through the connection groove; and allowing an electrolyte solution to flow through the through hole, the connection groove, and the blind hole to form a conductive layer, achieving an electrical connection between the upper printed circuit board and the lower printed circuit board.